The day started out cloudy with some showers here and there… It wasn’t looking too great for Shannon and Michael’s wedding day.

However sometimes, things get darker right before the light peeks through.

Shannon and Michael were married in Hemet, part of the Inland Empire in Southern California, I had never shot a wedding in this area or location before. But I’m always up to try something new.

I was fortunate enough to don a military uniform for a quick career in the US Army and have always played with the thought of photographing a military wedding so when I learned about today, I got anxious.

I’m always grateful to be part of someone’s wedding, but to me, this was very special. I currently have many friends in Afghanistan and I understand the sacrifices one makes daily while serving in the US Armed Forces. To see a decorated Veteran so happy definitely tugged at some heartstrings.

From the moment I saw him and throughout the whole wedding, Michael was smiling- this guy had a grin from ear to ear that got wider the moment he saw Shannon.

Shannon on the other hand is one hilarious gal, always crackin’ jokes whenever the opportunity presented itself. One of Michael’s buddies’ favorite memory of her was their first meeting, where she laughed at his tattoos for hours. Shannon was a trooper, facing some rainy wedding day obstacles without hesitation. She marched through muddy lawns and was able to corral this platoon of leathernecks.

I’m always grateful to be part of any wedding. Shannon and Michael, thank you for allowing me to be part of your wedding day.

These images were shot alongside Andrew Capili of Capirazzi Photography and Matthew Villacarillo.

Thank You for visiting my wedding photography blog!

If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call at (562)713-2018 or send me an email at John@johncudal.com.